Long Live the King! For the past three weeks, we’ve been taking a trip through the world of Legendary’s MonsterVerse. First, we watched 2014’s Godzilla with director Gareth Edwards. Then we joined Jordan Vogt Roberts on a mission to Kong: Skull Island. We rounded out the the trilogy with a jam-packed tweet-along with Godzilla: King of the Monsters’ Mike Dougherty. The director gave us an incredible two-hour-plus tour of his movie, including a bunch of amazing easter eggs, beautiful concept art, rad classic Godzilla homages, and a load of other treats.
Warner Bros.
Dougherty started off strong with this awesome little explainer.
People have asked why we refer to the creatures as Titans instead of MUTOs or Kaiju. 1) MUTO stands for Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Organism, so once a creature is identified & classified, it’s technically no longer a MUTO so Monarch had to come up with a new term: Titan.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We love this sentiment and it comes across so well in the film.
Scientists are so rarely the heroes in movies. Heroes these days are almost always guys-with-guns or superheroes, and I wanted to push back against that.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The director also confirmed one of our favorite fan theories.
And yes, this is Outpost 32 because I worship John Carpenter’s THE THING, which took place in OUTPOST 31. If you haven’t seen it, your life won’t be complete until you have. And it’s especially fitting considering certain current events… #Monsterversewatchalong #NerdistAtHome
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The director put great consideration into every element—even the hench people!
I’m always annoyed when the bad guys are played by an all-male group of day players, so we went to great lengths to make sure there was a balance of men and women in Jonah’s ranks.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Please take our money and make this movie!
I’d still love to do GODZILLA B.C. where we finally see this ancient world of man and monster, like a modern day Ray Harryhausen flick. Or maybe we just go for it and finally take humans out of the equation…. #Monsterversewatchalong #NerdistAtHome
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty also opened up about the relationship at the core of the film.
In my mind this movie is really about mankind trying to rekindle its broken relationship with Godzilla (nature) to ensure its own survival, and this scene is the first step towards rekindling that relationship.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
A lot of what made it to the screen came from the director’s own fandom.
I also realized that in 65+ years of movies we’ve never seen Godzilla use his bioluminescence as a form of communication, so this felt like the perfect opportunity.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Here’s why the Hollow Earth theory came into play for King of the Monsters.
I loved how KONG SKULL ISLAND started expanding on Hollow Earth theory (which is a fun bit of lore you should dig into) so I wanted to be sure to utilize it even more in this chapter, especially as a way to explain how Godzilla manages to get around. #Monsterversewatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty brought a lot of the natural world to his iteration of the massive creatures.
Same thing here. That’s why Ghidorah and Godzilla are having a bit of a pose off. When threatened, animals from nearly all species, from birds to dogs to politicians, will puff themselves up to look more menacing to their opponent.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Turns out that Ghidorah is just an evil fellow…
I think a few people complained how Ghidorah wouldn’t bother eating something so small, but if you were frozen in ice for ten thousand years I promise you’d eat Sally Hawkins too.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Vera Farmiga is a goddess!
Emma is such a tricky character but I love everything @VeraFarmiga did with her. She’s a complicated yin-yang mix of protagonist and antagonist, a conflicted fallen hero painted in tragic shades of grey.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
In case you were wondering where Emma got her ideas…
Emma’s plan was inspired by the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone in 1995. It was a controversial decision, but the wolves reduced overpopulated herds of elk.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We weren’t the only ones who found parallels in King of the Monsters and 2020.
The correlation between Emma’s plan and what’s happening in our world right now is eerie. Pollution levels going down, animals strolling through cities. Just replace Titans with a virus. Maybe not all monsters are giants….
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty also revealed his thinking behind making Madison and her mother the antagonists.
We’ve seen hundreds of criminal masterminds, insane anarachists and supervillains of every variety, and they’re almost always male, so the concept of mother-daughter antagonists in a big genre movie was too irresistible to resist.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
In earlier versions, we would have gotten a look inside Outpost 56.
Originally we were going to see the inside of OUTPOST 56 and reveal it was a temple to the “Fire Demon”, with architecture based on Mayan designs. pic.twitter.com/kRAEEAqtoF
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The director’s own experience with the 1956 Rodan movie shaped his version of the monster.
I was always heartbroken by the end of the original 1956 RODAN film when the two creatures perish in a volcano, and I preferred to imagine a happier ending where they managed to lay an egg before dying. The creature would then evolve and adapt to live within the volcano.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
This original sculpt of Rodan is one of the coolest things we’ve ever seen.
Designing Rodan was one of my favorite parts of the process. We looked at dozens of different kinds of birds of prey for reference, hawks, eagles, even vultures. In the end it was an old school clay sculpture by Tim Martin, a sculptor @theStudioADI that nailed it. pic.twitter.com/7KzUjmmbck
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty also talked about the process that went into Rodan’s unique and terrifying design.
We ended up abandoning the calcified “feathers” so that he was more of a hybrid of a giant bird of prey and a classic pteranodon — but with burning hot magma flowing through his veins.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Get ready for some serious cameos!!
Introducing the brave fighter pilots killed by Rodan: @EliRoth @ClareGrant @SethGreen and @smoyer. May their courage in the Titan Wars be remembered. #Monsterversewatchalong pic.twitter.com/kcc51VKELV
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We also got a little more info on what drew Dougherty to each of the monsters.
A big part of the appeal of Rodan was taking the battles into the sky with a speed and velocity you don’t get with landlocked monster fights. I’ll never forget watching the original RODAN and watching him destroy a bridge or city just by soaring over them. #Monsterversewatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
DARN HUMANS!
For the record, since they were fighting on Godzilla's underwater turf, Godzilla would've won this fight and eaten Ghidorah for dinner if humans didn't stupidly interfere (again). We never learn...
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Please tell us more about this handsome fellow on the left.
As much as I wanted to include classic Toho creatures I loved the chance to design new Titans for this sequence. pic.twitter.com/cozF3NXqNp
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Mothra twins assemble!!!
Here's the entire Chen family photo. I like the idea their family has had a connection to Mothra for a very, very long time. #Monsterversewatchalong pic.twitter.com/pGz5i3TYG7
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
In a shocking twist, we almost didn’t get Mothra…
We also happen to be huge fans of this gorgeous scene.
I love Ken & Kyle’s performance in this scene. Balancing humans & monsters is one of the hardest things to do in these movies. People are split on wanting more of one over the other, so it’s impossible to please everyone, but I think this scene is vital for Mark’s journey.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The director expanded on one of the biggest connections to Kong: Skull Island.
With his journey into the Hollow Earth I wanted to dive deeper into Godzilla’s lore and history to finally learn more about him, but still leave room for mystery and imagination.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The film is stacked with rad literary nods which Dougherty highlighted.
There are intentional shades of Jules Verne and the Abyss, the kinds adventure or exploration movies we sadly don’t see much of anymore. The sequence was also designed to show our human characters are willing to risk their lives to save Godzilla, especially Mark.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
It’s clear that Dougherty is a huge fan of the Toho world.
I always loved how the Toho films weren’t shy about playing up the mythological aspects of the creatures. They weren’t afraid to get weird. I think MOTHRA was the first Toho film to establish the creatures were deities connected to lost ancient civilizations...
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
One of the coolest easter eggs was this quote paying homage to one of our fave Kaiju flicks, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack.
Dr. Stanton's line, "If only the earth and stones could speak, the stories they could tell us" is a nod to a Toho movie. Know which one? #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty also revealed his favorite track from the score.
This might be my favorite track from @BearMcCreary’s score.https://t.co/GzfAayVXvI
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We got insight into why the director introduced Godzilla’s lair.
I wanted to include a sequence where we really peeled back the layers of Godzilla’s mythology and depict him in a way and in a place we’ve never seen before, so finally entering his lair made sense. After all, every dragon has a cave, and we’ve never seen Godzilla’s.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
He shared some cool details about the giant’s monster’s secret space.
We littered the ruins with the wreckage of ships from different eras, from vikings to modern day battleships, as if they were pulled into the Hollow Earth via vortex, or because they were snacks for Godzilla. #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
One of our favorite moments of the whole movie has a deeper meaning.
Serizawa’s sacrifice was purposely designed to be the inverse of Serizawa’s death from the 1954 film, where he sacrificed himself to kill Godzilla. In my mind, this version of the character is correcting that mistake by saving his god.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We can’t get over this cool reveal, which shows just how much care went into the score.
These lyrics were actually translated into ancient Babylonian for the choir, and were meant to be a sort of hymn/prayer to the First Gods. Again, @BearMcCreary for the win. pic.twitter.com/gfoonICZYz
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty clearly had a philosophical bent on the King of the Monsters.
The scene between Godzilla and the Monarch crew on the sub was important for me to finally show him as an intelligent and curious creature, traits normally reserved for Kong. #Monsterversewatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Ahhh, so that’s why it was set in Boston!
Why put the final battle in Boston? Why not? How many times have we already seen NYC, LA or San Francisco destroyed? It was finally Beantown's turn. #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
There were plenty of gorgeous concept art reveals, too.
MORE ART by Matt Allsopp and Christopher Shy. #MonsterverseWatchalong pic.twitter.com/qcHAVW7BmC
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Like this…
Some amazing art from Matt Allsopp @cuppasketch. pic.twitter.com/qjXSjIXVvU
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Looks like Godzilla might have a few more secret hideouts to call his own.
AGREED. https://t.co/cqi0zNrvLG
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Turns out that we almost got a Rodan, Mothra, and Godzilla team-up from the start.
We first thought of having Rodan, Mothra, and Godzilla team up against Ghidorah but that just didn't seem fair, (and we've seen it before). Plus it was more fun to show Rodan taking orders from Ghidorah, his new alpha, only to later change allegiance when Godzilla is victorious.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
That badass Mothra stinger—you were right… it’s new?
Mothra's stinger was obviously a new idea. It was born from the concept that she lived in a pretty vicious environment full of predators and would need an equally harsh method of self defense.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
This Mothra take definitely makes us feel better about her sacrifice.
Mothra doesn't fear death because she's conquered it many times. She's already laid her egg and knows she'll be reborn, again and again.... #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
There were also plenty of reveals about character beats, like this deep one about Emma.
Emma's sacrifice can be seen as redemption or punishment or maybe both, depending on your personal worldview and willingness to forgive, and whether you believe people are even capable of redemption.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We love the final fight, but this would have also been really great.
I wanted Godzilla to devour Ghidorah as the ultimate defeat and punishment for his rival, but it was Toho's idea to have him "barbecue" the final head. #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty shared this tidbit about the iconic moment where the Titans bow to their king.
This scene of the Titans bowing was animated by a woman named Yuka Tsuchida @MPC_Film , who was adamant that she be the one to do it. It was important to her.
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
We 100% back this statement.
Madison's reaction is the correct one. I'd love to live in a world filled with giant monsters and if I could push a button to make it happen I would do it. Repeatedly and enthusiastically. #MonsterverseWatchalong https://t.co/mSDHheGNya
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
Dougherty gave a much deserved shoutout to the SFX crew.
The VFX artists are the unsung heroes of the movie. So huge shoutout to @TheThirdFloor, @MPC_Film, @DNeg, @Method_Studios, @FXRodeo, @OllinVFX for all your blood, sweat, and tears. They were delicious. #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The final credits are stuffed with Easter eggs, and Dougherty shared a fave.
Specifically look at all the redacted text and you'll see a report from the submarine that ventured into the Hollow Earth about the civilization they discovered. Chen recorded everything. #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
The director shared this beautiful clip of the score being recorded.
Here's video of Godzilla's theme being recorded at Air Studios in London. This was the first time I've ever heard, and felt, it live. @BearMcCreary #MonsterVerseWatchalong pic.twitter.com/IRXA80OMs5
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
He even teased what that post-credits sequence could mean…
Hmm. The severed head of a giant monster with regenerative capabilities? Imagine the possibilities..... #MonsterverseWatchalong
— Monsterverse (@Monsterverse) April 24, 2020
If you want to get involved our next #NerdistFromHome, watch along is in conjunction with our amazing Nerdist Book Club. At Tuesday, April 28 5PM PT, press play on the classic animated Hobbit movie, and then on Wednesday, April 29, the Nerdist Book Club airs its final Hobbit episode on Nerdist & Geek & Sundry YouTube and G&S Twitch!
Feature Image: Warner Bros.
Editor’s Note: Nerdist is a subsidiary of Legendary Digital Networks.
